Chat Mode vs Build Mode
Understand when to use each mode.
Chat Mode 💬
Purpose: Discuss your project, ask questions, get guidance.
Use when:
- Planning your app architecture
- Asking "how do I..." questions
- Understanding generated code
- Getting recommendations
- Debugging issues
What it does:
- Provides explanations and advice
- References your project files
- Suggests best practices
- Does NOT modify code
Example:
User: "How should I structure my authentication flow?"
AI: "For your app, I recommend..."
Build Mode 🔨
Purpose: Generate and modify code.
Use when:
- Creating new features
- Modifying existing code
- Fixing bugs
- Refactoring
- Adding integrations
What it does:
- Generates new files
- Modifies existing files
- Updates dependencies
- Applies changes instantly
Example:
User: "Add user authentication with email/password"
AI: *generates auth components, API routes, database schema*
Switching Modes
Toggle between modes using the mode selector in the chat interface.
Best Practice Workflow
- Chat Mode — Plan and discuss
- Build Mode — Implement changes
- Chat Mode — Review and understand
- Build Mode — Iterate and refine
Tips
- Use Chat Mode to avoid accidental code changes
- Build Mode automatically detects if you're asking a question vs requesting changes
- Both modes have full context of your project files